Delicious Pairings To Serve Alongside Mac And Cheese

Mac and cheese is a versatile dish that can be served as a side or main course. If you're looking to make it a side, consider pairing it with proteins such as BBQ ribs, pulled pork, brisket, or grilled meats like chicken, pork, or steak. For a lighter option, a simple salad or steamed vegetables like broccoli, green beans, or carrots can complement the rich mac and cheese nicely.

On the other hand, if you want to showcase mac and cheese as the star of the meal, you can pair it with various vegetable sides. Some options include salads, such as a strawberry spinach salad or a simple arugula salad, or roasted or pan-fried vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts. Breads, such as garlic bread or cornbread, can also be a great addition to the meal.

So, whether you're serving it as a side or main, there are plenty of delicious options to choose from to elevate your mac and cheese experience!

BBQ ribs, pulled pork, brisket, or grilled meats

Mac and cheese is a versatile side dish that can be served with a variety of grilled meats, such as BBQ ribs, pulled pork, brisket, or other grilled meats. Here are some ideas and recipes to try:

BBQ Ribs

Mac and cheese is a classic side dish for BBQ ribs. You can bake the mac and cheese in the oven or, for a smoky flavour, cook it on the grill alongside your ribs. For an extra indulgent touch, add some crispy, crunchy, BBQ rib meat to your mac and cheese. This will create a juicy, smoky flavour that will complement the creaminess of the mac and cheese.

Pulled Pork

Pulled pork mac and cheese is a fun and easy weeknight meal that combines two dishes in one. You can use any leftover pulled pork or buy premade pulled pork from the store. Simply warm up the pulled pork and serve it on top of your mac and cheese, with a generous drizzle of BBQ sauce. This adds a savoury, tangy twist to your classic mac and cheese.

Brisket

Brisket mac and cheese is a hearty, creamy, and smoky dish that is perfect for using up leftover brisket. Chop the brisket into bite-sized pieces and mix it into your mac and cheese, or use it as a topping. Brisket mac and cheese can be served as a side dish or a main course and is sure to be a family favourite.

Grilled Meats

Mac and cheese is a must-have side dish at any BBQ. It pairs perfectly with grilled meats such as steak, chicken, burgers, or hot dogs. You can keep it simple and serve the mac and cheese as is, or get creative and add some diced onion, crisp bacon, or green peppers for an extra flavour boost.

So, there you have it! Mac and cheese is a versatile side dish that can be served with a variety of grilled meats. Get creative, experiment with different combinations, and enjoy!

Salads: kale, spinach, strawberry spinach, arugula, or cabbage

Mac and cheese is a rich and hearty dish, so a fresh and tangy salad with a bit of crunch is a great pairing. Here are some ideas for salads that feature kale, spinach, strawberry spinach, arugula, or cabbage to serve as a side dish with mac and cheese:

Kale Caesar Salad

This salad features kale instead of romaine, so it keeps for longer in the fridge. It is an easy, anchovy-free version of the classic Caesar salad. The zesty lemon and garlic dressing is a fantastic contrast to the gooey mac and cheese.

Strawberry Spinach Salad

A simple spinach salad with strawberries, pecans, and feta. The sweetness of the strawberries and the crunch of the pecans complement the richness of the mac and cheese.

Spanakopita Kale Salad

This salad is inspired by the iconic Greek savory pie, spanakopita. It features briny feta crumbles, crunchy toasted walnuts, and zippy herbs. The salty feta and tangy herbs provide a nice contrast to the creamy mac and cheese.

Simple Arugula Salad

A quick and easy option is an arugula salad tossed in a lemon vinaigrette and finished with shaved Parmesan. The peppery taste of arugula will complement the mac and cheese nicely.

Cabbage and Apple Slaw with Honey-Lime Dressing

This slaw features a base of shredded cabbage with a slightly sweet honey-lime dressing. It also includes apples, which add a nice crunch. This salad is a refreshing contrast to the rich mac and cheese.

Kale Salad with Lemon and Garlic

A Tuscan kale salad with a tangy lemon and garlic dressing and a hint of Parmesan cheese. The bright, zesty lemon and garlic flavours will cut through the richness of the mac and cheese.

These salad options provide a nice contrast in terms of flavour and texture to mac and cheese, making them delicious and refreshing side dishes.

Breads: cornbread, garlic bread, or cheese bread

Mac and cheese is a versatile dish that can be served as a main course or a side. It is often paired with barbecue ribs, pulled pork, or brisket. If you're looking for something to serve alongside your mac and cheese, here are some bread options to consider:

Cornbread

Cornbread is a popular choice to serve with mac and cheese, especially for those who are gluten-intolerant. You can make it with bacon for an extra savory flavor, or serve it plain as a more neutral side.

Garlic Bread

Garlic bread is another delicious option to accompany mac and cheese. The crunchiness of the garlic bread balances out the creaminess of the mac and cheese, while the robust garlic flavor adds another dimension to the meal. You can make your own garlic bread at home with a baguette or ciabatta, butter, garlic, and parsley, or choose from a variety of store-bought options.

Cheese Bread

For the ultimate cheesy experience, cheese bread is a great option to serve with mac and cheese. You can make it yourself by adding some cheese to your favorite bread recipe, or look for a ready-made option at your local bakery or grocery store.

Other Bread Options

In addition to cornbread, garlic bread, and cheese bread, there are a few other bread options that can complement mac and cheese:

• Oat flour bread
• Gluten-free biscuits
• BLTs
• Sausage cheese muffins
• Cloud bread (for gluten-free option)

Vegetables: broccoli, green beans, potato skins, or corn

Mac and cheese is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of vegetables, including broccoli, green beans, potato skins, and corn. Here are some ideas on how to prepare and serve these vegetables as side dishes to complement your mac and cheese:

Broccoli

Broccoli is a healthy and tasty option to pair with mac and cheese. You can prepare it in several ways, such as roasting or sautéing. Roasted broccoli florets, seasoned with salt and pepper, can be cooked until crisp and caramelized, adding a nice texture contrast to the creamy mac and cheese. Alternatively, you can steam or sauté broccoli florets and season them with olive oil, red onion, and feta cheese. This quick and simple side dish will add a burst of colour and nutrition to your meal.

Green Beans

Green beans are another excellent choice to accompany mac and cheese. You can steam or sauté them, ensuring they retain a crisp and tender texture. For a flavourful twist, try lemony steamed green beans, where the bright, zesty lemon provides a fantastic contrast to the rich cheese sauce. You can also try recipes such as Green Bean Mac 'n' Cheese, where green beans are incorporated into the pasta bake itself, or pair them with garlic roasted potatoes and carrots for a hearty side dish.

Potato Skins

Potato skins offer a delicious and satisfying crunch to go with your mac and cheese. You can bake or fry them until crispy, and they provide a great vessel for various toppings. Try loading your potato skins with cheese, bacon, sour cream, chives, or even pulled pork for a hearty and indulgent side dish.

Corn

Corn is a sweet and juicy option to pair with mac and cheese. You can serve it steamed, boiled, or grilled, adding a pop of colour and freshness to your plate. Corn on the cob makes for a fun and interactive side dish, or you can cut the kernels off the cob and mix them into a salad or salsa for a more textured bite. Sweet corn and tomatoes make for a colourful and vibrant side dish, and you can use fresh or frozen veggies depending on what's available.

Crispy buttermilk fried chicken, tandoori fried chicken, or chicken wings

Mac and cheese is a versatile dish that can be served as a side or a main course. It pairs well with a variety of proteins and vegetables, and can be adapted to suit different tastes and dietary preferences.

Crispy Buttermilk Fried Chicken

If you're looking for a protein to accompany your mac and cheese, crispy buttermilk fried chicken is a great option. This classic dish combines the creaminess of mac and cheese with the juicy, crispy texture of fried chicken. The buttermilk marinade not only adds flavour but also helps to tenderise the chicken and create a golden brown coating.

To make crispy buttermilk fried chicken, you'll need to marinate the chicken in a mixture of buttermilk, mustard, salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper. After marinating, the chicken is coated in a seasoned flour mixture and then fried until golden brown and cooked through.

Tandoori Fried Chicken

For a spicy and flavourful twist, consider pairing your mac and cheese with tandoori fried chicken. This dish involves marinating the chicken in a blend of aromatic spices and yogurt, which not only adds flavour but also helps to tenderise the meat and create a caramelised crust when fried.

The key to achieving the signature taste and texture of tandoori fried chicken is the two-step marination process. First, the chicken is marinated in a spice blend that typically includes garlic, ginger, lemon juice, coriander, cumin, and turmeric. After this initial marination, yogurt is folded into the mixture, and the chicken is marinated for a second time. The chicken is then dredged in chickpea flour and fried until golden brown and cooked through.

Chicken Wings

Chicken wings are another popular protein option to serve with mac and cheese. You can bake or fry the wings and toss them in a variety of sauces, such as classic buffalo sauce, spicy Korean sauce, or a sweet and sticky glaze.

Whether you choose crispy buttermilk fried chicken, tandoori fried chicken, or chicken wings, any of these options will make a delicious and satisfying addition to your mac and cheese meal.

Sample Menu Ideas:

Option 1: Crispy Buttermilk Fried Chicken with Mac and Cheese

• Crispy Buttermilk Fried Chicken
• Mac and Cheese
• Simple green salad with vinaigrette
• Steamed broccoli

Option 2: Tandoori Fried Chicken with Mac and Cheese

• Tandoori Fried Chicken
• Mac and Cheese
• Tomato and bread salad
• Pan-fried asparagus

Option 3: Chicken Wings with Mac and Cheese

• Baked Buffalo Chicken Wings
• Mac and Cheese
• Crispy sweet potato fries
• Strawberry spinach salad

Frequently asked questions